No-Burn® Plus XD and QuadFoam® 500 are cutting-edge products that are continually capturing market share.
“Partnering with industry leading manufacturers is important to us. Our partnership with Quadrant Urethane Technologies
enables Certified parties to sell energy efficient and building code compliant products” stated Bill Kish, President of No-
Burn, Inc.

The availability of Plus XD to Quadrant Certified parties allows an already competitively priced, high yield open cell
foam continued feasibility for International Building Code compliance. “Working with the No-Burn, Inc. team has been a
great opportunity for us” stated Robert Jamieson, President of Quadrant Urethane Technologies. “The QuadFoam® 500
and No-Burn® Plus XD assembly provides our Applicators with both an economical and high performance system for
meeting International Building Codes.”

October 27, 2011

On 1 October, The VELUX Group launched the International VELUX Award 2012 to encourage and challenge students of architecture all over the world to explore and investigate daylight in architecture. Students need to register before 1 March 2012.

The International VELUX Award 2012 encourages sustainable ideas and solutions considering new buildings and the existing building stock in cities as well as in suburban residential areas. The Award is looking for proposals that combine a clear energy strategy with a specific focus on the health and well-being of people living and working in the buildings.

International jury

The 2012 Award jury members are: Alvaro Siza from Portugal, Brigitte Shim from Canada, Peter Stutchbury from Australia, and Francis Kere originally from Burkina Faso now living in Germany. They have all taught, published and built across borders and all share an interest for sustainable building combined with a deep respect for local environments and conditions.

The International VELUX Award is organized in cooperation with the International Union of Architects (UIA) and the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE).

Deadline for registration is 1 March 2012 and projects must be submitted by 7 May 2012.

The insulation system is installed between the siding and the sheathing or house wrap, and can add up to R-3.0 to wall systems, reduces overall air infiltration, and makes the existing insulation inside the home even more effective. This insulated siding sandwich reduces energy usage, keeps moisture out while letting homes breathe naturally, and maintains a healthy, dry wall system. The expanded polystyrene (EPS) that makes up Fullback® siding insulation is completely recyclable and can be reprocessed for use in other products.

Counter-Acting the Natural Thermal Bridge

Contractors and architects have been adding depth to sidewall studs to incorporate additional insulation in the wall cavities, only to find out that the studs are actually contributing to the home's energy loss. Heat bypasses the batt insulation in the home's wall cavities and transfers through these studs, allowing energy to leak through the walls. This process is called thermal bridging.

Energy codes and standards across the country are requiring contractors in most climate zones to install a thermal break between the sheathing and the siding in 2x4 construction. This increased demand for energy efficiency has led to a 'perfect storm' for siding insulation. Energy Star for Homes Version 3.0 has recognized both insulating foam sheathing and insulated siding as a thermal bridge reducer.

Progressive Foam has for many years fulfilled growing consumer demand for energy-efficient green products with insulation for vinyl siding, and now expands the spectrum of product choices by transitioning to a siding insulation company that serves all claddings. The new patented, high-performance siding insulation for plank-style sidings has been in development for several years, has been ruggedly field-tested, and comes with a lifetime limited warranty.

October 25, 2011

(Spiceland, Ind.)–Draper, Inc. is continuing the company’s commitment to sustainable building products with the introduction of a new Cradle to Cradle-CertifiedCM Silver eco-friendly window shade fabric.

Draper’s all-new GreenScreen Revive has passed the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute’s verified rating system for assessing and constantly improving products. The system is based on five categories –renewable energy, clean water, material health, social responsibility and material reutilization. GreenScreen Revive received a silver rating.

GreenScreen Revive provides excellent solar control, reducing heat and glare while offering a remarkably clean view through to the outdoors owing to its finely knitted weave. This fire retardant, PVC-free fabric is constructed of 100% polyester yarn, with a minimum of 89% REPREVE® polyester. REPREVE is recycled and recyclable, contains low VOC's, and is made in the USA.

GreenScreen® Revive fabric is made with REPREVE polyester. REPREVE is made from 100% recycled materials, making it one of the most earth-friendly ingredients you’ll find anywhere. For more information about REPREVE, please visit www.repreve.com.

GreenScreen Revive has already been recognized by the Window Coverings Manufacturers Association. The fabric received the Sustainability: Most Innovative Overall Concept award, given at the 2011 International Window Coverings Expo.

GreenScreen Revive is available in 1% and 5% openness, in eight colors, and is offered on Draper manual and motorized FlexShades. For more information, visit http://www.draperinc.com/windowshades/revive.asp. For more information on Cradle to Cradle, visit www.c2ccertified.com.

REPREVE is a registered trademark of Unifi, Inc. Cradle to Cradle Certified (CM) is a certification mark of MBDC.

October 25, 2011

(Verona, Italy – October 24, 2011) -- For the first time in its 46-year history, there were more foreign exhibitors and visitors than Italian at the just concluded Marmomacc, the most important annual trade fair for the global stone industry. The internationalization of the show has been going on for some time, but this year’s event confirmed this trend, registering nearly 29,000 foreign trade visitors (an 8% increase over last year) out of a total of 56,000, coming from 130 countries. The same is true for exhibitors of stone, machinery and related products. Of the 1,518 companies exhibiting this year, 849 were from outside of Italy, representing 61 countries.

Marmomacc’s global outreach makes it the ideal venue for the ongoing dialogue between international stone associations on the development of a sustainable stone certification standard for the U.S. market. During the show the U.S. Natural Stone Council provided an update to interested companies and associations on the progress of the Natural Stone Sustainability Standard. The standard is expected to be finalized in early 2012. Only stone processed in or imported into the U.S. would be eligible for certification.

The thirteenth edition of the Marmomacc Stone Academy’s continuing education program on stone design for architects reflected the show’s international dimension as well. Thirty-three architects from the U.S., Australia, Canada, the U.K., India, South Africa, and Singapore were selected to attend this year’s program. The architects spent four days learning about design with natural and engineered stone, earning more than 20 AIA credits, including 14 hours of lectures by leading stone-sector professionals. Participants visited a quarry and processing facilities in Chiampo, took part in guided architectural tours of Vicenza and Verona, and completed their week in Verona with a goodbye dinner at beautiful Villa Rizzardi, in the Valpolicella hills.

Marmomacc’s continuing education program is co-sponsored by Stone World and recognized by the American Institute of Architects, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Australian Institute of Architects, and the South African Institute of Architects.

As usual, design was highlighted throughout Marmomacc, providing stone trade professionals an opportunity to see new applications developed using the latest stone-working technologies. The “Marmomacc Meets Design” (MMD) project inspired some of the more interesting and innovative booth designs. MMD 2011 – this was the fifth edition of the initiative – paired leading international designers with stone processors. The pairings focused on this year’s theme – “mutable spirit” -- in developing everything from objects, to design modules, to entire booth designs.

Two of the MMD booths were among the winners of Marmomacc’s 2011 Best Communicator Award. The award is presented to the booths with the best visual approaches to conveying the richness and expressive potential of stone. Citco and designer Pietro Ferruccio Laviani were selected by the jury for the interaction between light and material, which, within Citco’s booth, created unprecedented spectacular effects. Designer Raffaello Galliotto collaborated with another winner, Lithos Design, to create a modular component that worked both as simple interior design object and material for booth construction. The jury recognized that this module effectively expressed the architectural potential of the material.

Three other companies, not associated with MMD, also received Best Communicator Awards. Henraux, whose booth was designed by U.S. architect Craig Copeland, received an award for the highly-elaborate sculptures exhibited at the booth, as well as the overall booth design, whose horizontal lines helped to highlight the stone materials used and showcase their intrinsic qualities.

Franchi Umberto Marmi, whose booth was designed by an in-house team in collaboration with Michele Cazzani, was selected for the use of volumes and surfaces with a limited color spectrum to generate an unexpected multitude of effects and spatial solutions.

The fifth Best Communicator was presented to the Botticino quarry workers’ cooperative, whose booth was designed by architect Ivan Tognazzi. The award was presented for a design approach based on a few simple elements with a strong chromatic impact that were used to attract attention to a single material. The material is worked repeatedly into the design as a metaphorical business card in the form of a useful product sample.

Two additional booth designs – both part of Marmomacc Meets Design -- received Honorable Mentions from the jury: Budri with Patricia Urquiola and Pibamarmi with Snohetta. Other designer/stone company pairings for MMD 2011 included: Setsu & Shinobu Ito with Grassi Pietre; Michele De Lucchi and Angelo Micheli with Stone Italiana; Flavio Albanese with Margraf; Marco Piva with the Region of Apulia; Philippe Nigro with Testi Fratelli; Giuseppe Fallacara, the Polytechnic Institute of Bari, and the University of Budapest Architecture Faculty with Reneszánsz Köfaragó Ztr; and Riccardo Blumer and Donata Tomasina with Trentino Pietra, the association representing the natural stone sector of the Italian province of Trento.

The next edition of MARMOMACC will be held from Wednesday, September 26th through Saturday, September 29, 2012.

For more information on Marmomacc or digital copies of the images, please contact: The Consultants International Group in Washington, DC (Sebastiano Brancoli, sbrancoli@cig-dc.com, tel.: 202-783-7000).

October 19, 2011

No-Burn, Inc. and Icynene Inc. continue to expand upon their suite of industry-leading product solutions. Working towards the common goal of producing superior products, No-Burn, Inc. and Icynene Inc. are now able to offer Licensed Dealers and industry professionals an ignition barrier coating over Icynene’s low density spray foam insulation, ICYNENE LD-C-50®, at a reduced film thickness. Translating to increased savings and more productive installation rates, at 6 wet and/or 4 dry mils, No-Burn, Inc.’s Plus XD continues to provide Icynene Inc. and its Dealers with innovative coating solutions to meet International Code Council requirements. No-Burn, Inc.’s Plus XD is highly recognized in the marketplace as an easy to apply and readily available, inexpensive ignition barrier.

Today’s announcement represents the latest in a series of announcements regarding economical coating
options for No-Burn and Icynene’s portfolio of products. This option is fully tested in accordance with the ICCES Acceptance Criteria, contained in AC 377 Appendix X, and code compliant under the IRC section 316.6. It provides new flexibility for designers and builders aiming to be code compliant with the use of Icynene spray foam in attics and crawlspaces.

“As an industry leading manufacturer, No-Burn, Inc. continues to partner with visionaries such as Icynene
providing designers, builders and contractors with practical and advanced weatherproofing product solutions worldwide” stated Bill Kish, President of No-Burn, Inc. of Wadsworth, Ohio. Paul Duffy, Vice President of Engineering at Icynene Inc. added, “We are pleased to have new flexibility in terms of lighter coating thickness over our industry leading LD-C-50 light density spray foam.”

No-Burn® Plus XD is available directly from Icynene Inc. Complimentary No-Burn® applicator training is available to Icynene Dealers. To ensure efficiency and quality, it’s recommended that Icynene Dealers take the No-Burn® applicator training and direct technical questions about Plus XD to No-Burn, Inc.

LISLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Molex Incorporated has introduced the SolarSpec™ Smart Junction Box making it easy for manufacturers of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to provide their products with module-embedded safety and monitoring functions, as well as convenient, safe and dependable connection facilities. The system, which will be showcased at the Solar Power International exhibition, October 18 - 20, booth 6854, features a series of interchangeable covers embedded with SolarEdge* optimizing chipsets to provide varying levels of electronic integration.

The new Smart Junction Box is based on the original two-part SolarSpec™ Junction Box from Molex featuring a base attached directly to the solar PV panel and a removable cover assembly. Functionalities include system safety, shut-off and arc detection, security monitoring and theft protection, performance tracking on output levels and panel efficiencies, remote diagnostics and power optimization. SolarSpec Junction Boxes can be supplied with optional Solder Charge™ technology for use in conjunction with high-speed assembly processes that provide consistent quality for every termination. A locking mechanism requiring a specialized tool to release secures the top cover to the base, providing total protection against accidental contact with live parts.

Wind Energy’s WindSail is designed for commercial buildings. It reacts fast and efficiently to wind turbulence created by buildings. Working with Dean Kamen’s DEKA Research and Development and the aeronautical engineering firm DAR Corporation, the WindSail produces supplemental power for commercial buildings in urban areas.

The design offers several key benefits that answer common concerns about wind energy solutions:

- Generates electricity on-site – Converts the wind resource to electricity and safely puts it directly into the building’s power system.
- Quiet – Slow rotation creates electricity from torque and is inherently quiet, as the rotational speed does not exceed 80 rpms.
- Bird friendly – Birds see the shape and easily avoid collision.
- Likes turbulence – Always facing into the wind, allowing the WindSail to quickly react to changes in wind direction
- Makes a visual statement – Can be installed near or on the building it serves, customized with logos, graphics and color. It projects leadership in sustainability.

The first step in integrating alternative energy technologies into a building is determining the right equation for each location. Wind Energy offers a Wind & Solar Assessment tool that measures wind resources near the building where a WindSail might be installed. The tool provides an estimate of the WindSail’s expected electrical output in that location, while also measuring the solar resources.

October 14, 2011

ARVADA, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The roof of a home has always had the critical job of protecting families from the elements. Today, for the first time, a new commercially-available solar roofing shingle has entered the U.S. housing market that not only protects from the elements, but uses one of those elements — sunlight — to turn the typical American home into a dynamic power generator.

The POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle roofing system protects the home like a standard roofing shingle while providing energy that powers the home and saves the homeowner money.

The three-part solar roofing system package includes an array of shingles, an inverter and an energy monitoring system. The shingles, custom designed to fit the individual homeowners’ budget and energy goals, are arranged to complement the style and form of the home and roofline. The inverter then converts Direct Current (DC) produced from the shingles into Alternating Current (AC), which is then fed to the home’s appliances, or back to the power grid. Finally, a real-time monitoring system provides readouts to homeowners to assess energy usage, production and the amount of excess power flowing back to the grid.

The great look of the integrated POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle solution now serves the needs of homeowners who want to go solar, but dislike the aesthetic of bulky, rack-mounted systems.

The POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle is Made in the USA at Dow’s small-scale manufacturing facility in Midland, Michigan. Dow has also begun construction of a new, large-scale facility at Dow’s Midland, Michigan Operations site, which the Company expects will create up to 1,275 jobs between now and 2015.

POWERHOUSE ™ has the safety backing of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), is backed by Dow and a warranty, and can withstand rain, hail and wind.

October 14, 2011

Modular building expert discusses the innovative new building technique on the ModSpace blog

BERWYN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a new blog post from ModSpace, Vice President of Construction Services and Architect Sam Tikriti introduces the company’s new floorless approach to prefabricated construction that puts modular on the same level, literally, as traditional building methods.

Floorless modular installations are ideal for architects and clients looking for low-site-impact, quickly-delivered and cost-effective building solutions. With floorless installations, a grade-level slab of concrete is poured at the site prior to the delivery of the modules. At the same time, the modular structures are built in a factory. Finally, the completed modules are delivered and lowered onto the concrete floor and permanently secured.

Read more about this new building technique on the ModSpace blog, where ModSpace’s experts provide readers with the unique insights and commentary on today’s construction environment and trends.

October 13, 2011

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With 2012 fast-approaching, Dunn-Edwards Paint has launched its color and design trend forecast for 2012 called Simply Refocus. With four color stories and references to its Perfect Palette color system, these trends can be found online at http://www.specsspaces.com.

"A re-emergence of color is what we are seeing across the board. People are not afraid of color anymore. It defines our surroundings and lifestyle in more ways today than ever before," said Sara McLean, color marketing manager at Dunn-Edwards.

Four color and design stories are represented - Simply Sentimental, Simply Refined, Simply Revolutionary and Simply Essential - each representing an attitude to color and design, which many of us can associate with. Each story provides inspiration, design prescriptions and a range of 12 colors from the Dunn-Edwards Perfect Palette color system. "The colors within each story provide the designer with ideas for walls, furnishing and decor - a full palette to work from."

Simply Sentimental showcases a return to beautiful, layered design. With references to turn-of-the century color and design ideals, this is a story for those who appreciate pretty and saturated color along with many layers of design.

Simply Refined defines the latest trends in neutrals. With downtown loft references and spare attitudes to design, this story thread is for those appreciative of the clean, refined ideals in design.

Simply Revolutionary takes you on a journey into the world of science and technology with an eye towards those with unconventional attitudes to design. Splashes of bold, vivid color play with unusual design elements to surprise and delight the senses.

Simply Essential taps into the art of craftsmanship and fights against the technology-driven age. With colors grounded in earthy, pigmented colors and rich in color, this story provides a rustic yet timelessly modern aesthetic.

October 13, 2011

MCKINNEY, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Encore Wire Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: WIRE) announced today that its 13,000 sq. ft. new Research and Development Center has been awarded LEED® Platinum certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBSI). LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Encore Wire achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified building saves money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

LEED certification of Encore Wire was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include:

- Parking lot designed to optimize space with preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles and carpools using high albedo concrete to decrease “heat island effect.” The Albedo effect is the percentage of incoming radiation reflected off a surface; therefore, lighter colored surfaces have a greater albedo effect in reducing global warming.
- Protection and repair of native habitat throughout construction
- Use of high efficiency, low wattage exterior lighting to decrease light pollution of surrounding environment and community
- Ultra efficient fluorescent interior lighting with photocells, allowing them to respond to the amount of sunlight coming through windows
- For maximized ambient light and daylight views, 95% of the building envelope is glass
- Roof mounted solar panels, to minimize grid-supplied electric power
- Office furniture, laboratory casework and accent paneling use rapidly renewable bamboo and/or recycled materials
- Where applicable, construction materials were purchased from manufacturers within 500 mile radius
- Indoor air quality control program

October 11, 2011

Company to Join Industry Partner as a Co-Exhibitor at the Show from October 13-15 -

MONROE, Ohio, Oct. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Deceuninck North America, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality systems for windows, doors, interiors and outdoor living, has been selected to contribute two building product solutions to the Product Showcase at Remodeling Show and Deck Expo 2011 (October 13-15 in Chicago), a trade event focusing exclusively on remodeling products including the deck, dock, porch and railing industry. Occupying a dedicated space at the exhibition, the Product Showcase enables attendees to review the industry's latest offerings and innovations. Deceuninck's Solstice® PVC Decking and Kodiak® Elite Railing Systems will be among the innovations featured.

Deceuninck's Solstice PVC Decking offers the "best performance under the sun" and comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and a 25-year fade and stain warranty. Solstice decking features a dual color, dual embossed board that allows for design flexibility. The interior of the cellular PVC decking features Deceuninck's Korelite™ technology. The exclusive extrusion process creates a dense cell structure that minimizes imperfections, voids and water absorption while offering superior strength. In addition, SunShield® technology gives Solstice superior color retention while reducing heat build-up.

Engineered to stand up to harsh environments, Kodiak Elite Railing Systems offer superior weathering characteristics that provide years of natural beauty without the worry of refinishing. Kodiak resists water, mold and insect damage, never requires painting or staining, and will not rot, rust, crack, warp, pit, corrode, peel or blister. Advanced processes and smart technology craft a product that is seamless, versatile and durable with unsurpassed aesthetics. The innovative design provides for easier installation. The composite construction creates higher strength, and the railing system features a SunShield® cap for superior weather resistance and color retention. Kodiak Elite Railing Systems comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty as well.

October 10, 2011

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wondering about the hot paint colors for next year? Wonder no more: The 2012 paint palette will draw heavily upon the natural colors in the American landscape, according to Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute.

“Native plants and flowers, oceans and lakes, and rocks and minerals are the sources of inspiration for the paint colors that will be ‘in’ next year,” says Zimmer. “If you’re thinking about repainting your home interior, look to the great American outdoors.”

Exterior Paint Combinations

On the home exterior, shutters colors will begin to shift away from the traditional look of high-contrast green, red, or black to a more monochromatic palette. “You’ll see more shutters that are painted just a shade darker than the siding,” says Zimmer. “Owners of homes with stone exteriors can get in on things by matching the shutter color to the dominant color of the stone.”

Despite all the new colors and trends, Zimmer says some things in the paint world will remain the same in 2012: “Top quality 100% acrylic latex paint will continue to provide the best performance and the best value to budget-conscious homeowners,” she says.

October 07, 2011

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Faucet Company , America's faucet innovation leader, has been named 2011 WaterSense Manufacturer Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The manufacturer of Delta®, Brizo® and Peerless® branded products was recognized for its outstanding support of the WaterSense program and ongoing commitment to promoting advancements in water efficiency. Paul Patton, senior product development manager, accepted the award on behalf of Delta Faucet Company at the 2011 WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition annual awards banquet in Las Vegas on October 5.

The WaterSense program, a partnership program by the EPA, aims to protect the future of the U.S. water supply by providing people with easy and identifiable ways to conserve water. In addition, the program helps consumers make smart water choices in order to maintain high environmental standards and save money without compromising performance. Launched in 2008, the WaterSense Partner of the Year awards recognize partners that help advance the overall mission of the WaterSense program, demonstrate overall excellence in the water-efficiency arena and increase awareness of the WaterSense brand in a measurable way. Each year, the program recognizes just one manufacturer that demonstrates exceptional performance in each of these areas.

A WaterSense partner since the program's inception, Delta Faucet Company is a pioneer in the advancement of performance standards for water-saving products and has developed several groundbreaking technologies that help promote water conservation in the bath. Its proprietary H2Okinetic Technology®, for example, is an innovative shower technology that uniquely shapes and affects the water it delivers to create larger water droplets that retain heat longer for a more drenching shower experience. Using this technology on a shower flowing at a rate of 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) allows consumers to reduce their water usage without compromising their shower experience.

In the absence of WaterSense specifications for kitchen faucets, Delta Faucet Company has taken the initiative to develop products that provide water-efficiency in this space. The Delta brand introduced its unique Multi-Flow™ feature as a potential water-saving solution for kitchen faucets. The Multi-Flow wand enables consumers to toggle easily between spray and stream functionality. For ordinary tasks, the standard flow rate is a water-efficient 1.5 gpm, which saves up to 32 percent over the industry standard 2.2 gpm in the kitchen. Ongoing ethnographic research, in-home interviews, focus groups, and retail shadowing ensure consumer needs are being met throughout the development of new advancements in water-saving technologies, like these, and also helps influence the creation of new products designed to conserve water.

October 06, 2011

TORONTO, Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) announced today at Greenbuild the best commercial and residential buildings of 2011, based on innovative uses of FSC-certified wood products. At a time when the US Green Building Council is considering dramatically lower standards for wood in their flagship LEED program, the award-winning projects show that use of FSC-certified wood delivers benefits to the forest and the marketplace.

"These projects clearly show wood from responsibly managed forests can meet all your design and construction needs," said Corey Brinkema, president of FSC US. "At a time when the old guards of industry are trying to make us believe that all wood is 'green,' these projects demonstrate we can and must do better. So we applaud the award winners for pushing the envelope to incorporate as much FSC-certified wood as possible," he added.

The award for the best commercial project of the year went to the Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) Energy Research Lab in Kamuela, Hawaii. The best residential project of the year was awarded to zHome in Issaquah, Washington.

While the HPA project achieved LEED Platinum, it was also certified as "Living" by the Living Building Challenge, the most ambitious measure of sustainability in the built environment. And the zHome project, which has received national acclaim for advancing deep-green thinking into suburban, multi-family residential development, received the highest-ever certification score by Built Green, a program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties.

"It's clear that high standards work," said Richard Thorne, Vice President, Kimberly-Clark Professional, the platinum sponsor of Design & Build with FSC at Greenbuild 2011. "Setting the bar high by using FSC-certified products has a very real effect on improving forest management and the market will respond," Thorne added.

The winning projects were selected based on the total amount of FSC-certified products used, the level of market transformation the projects achieved, as well as the creativity with which they used the products.

To maintain high standards in LEED and to continue to promote the highest standard of responsible forest management, FSC is currently hiring an advocacy director. To see the job description and learn more about the Forest Stewardship Council, visit: www.fscus.org/about_us/jobs.php.

zHome
zHome is a 10-unit, 14,000 sq. ft. townhome development in the Seattle suburb of Issaquah. zHome is a remarkable example of the application of FSC-certified wood in speculative multi-family construction. Nearly all of the project's framing lumber was FSC certified from Oregon. Millwork was custom built in Washington with FSC-certified maple from Michigan. The project team also selected FSC-certified bamboo for flooring and FSC-certified Tigerwood for stair stringers. 78% of wood used was FSC certified and 9% was salvaged. For more: www.z-home.org.

Forest Stewardship Council – US
The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent nonprofit organization that promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world's forests. FSC was created in 1993 to help consumers and businesses identify products from well-managed forests. FSC sets standards by which forests are certified, offering credible verification to people who are buying wood and wood products. Nearly 5,000 companies and more than 140 million acres of forestland are certified under FSC standards in North America. For more: www.fscus.org.

October 06, 2011

TOLEDO, Ohio, Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Owens Corning today announced that its award-winning EcoTouch™ Insulation is the first fiberglass insulation to be certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a biobased product. The certification is part of a new USDA Biobased labeling initiative to identify products with ingredients made from renewable plant materials.

The USDA Biobased labeling initiative is an element of the U.S. Farm Bill that focuses on increasing the purchase and use of biobased products made from renewable agricultural materials. The purpose of the labeling initiative is to more clearly identify biobased products for all buyers, and to promote the increased sale and use of biobased products in the commercial market and for consumers. In order to be certified by the USDA, vendor products are required to undergo biobased product testing by an accredited laboratory.

Presidential Executive Order 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, mandates the purchasing of biobased products under a preferred procurement program for Federal agencies and their contractors. The USDA designates categories of biobased products and makes them available in a catalog for Federal agencies and their contractors to choose from when making purchases.

In addition to the USDA certification, EcoTouch™ Insulation was recently certified by Scientific Certifications Systems (SCS) for new recycled content figures: total recycled content rose from 50 percent to 58 percent for faced batts and rolls, and to 65 percent for unfaced batts, rolls, MBI and loosefill.*

The USDA and SCS certifications add to the growing list of accolades for EcoTouch™ Insulation. In August, it was ranked among the top five best new products of 2011 by Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines. EcoTouch™ Insulation also has achieved GREENGUARD Children & Schools(SM) Certification, is verified to be formaldehyde free - meeting stringent certification standards for indoor air quality, and carries the UL Environment Ecologo CCD016 preferable product designation.

In September, Owens Corning earned placement in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) in recognition of its sustainability initiatives for the second consecutive year.

October 05, 2011

Hampshire, IL – DECK-O-TREAT is a gunite/shotcrete curing aid specially formulated to provide the contractor with a good, general purpose curing aid for construction applications where economy is of prime importance. It contains no wax, resin or solvent. DECK-O-TREAT meets maximum VOC content limits of 100 g/L as required by SCAQMD Rule 1113.

DECK-O-TREAT is ready to use and aids in curing gunite and shotcrete. Surfaces treated with DECK-O-TREAT can later be covered by additional finishes, such as paint, tile adhesive or plaster. DECK-O-TREAT can be used on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

October 05, 2011

Hampshire, IL – CEM-KOTE FLEX ST is a highly flexible, fiber-reinforced, breathable, cementitious slurry, consisting of dry Component A and liquid Component B. CEM-KOTE FLEX ST is designed for positive and negative waterproofing of concrete structures in new construction and restoration. It is suitable for water and wastewater tanks, secondary containment structures, tunnels, concrete slabs, balconies and patios with light to medium traffic.
CEM-KOTE FLEX ST is a polymer-modified cement membrane, which can be easily applied by brushing or with spray equipment for larger applications. The product is used for waterproofing of potable water or wastewater treatment facilities in new construction or restoration projects.
CEM-KOTE FLEX ST is ANSI/NSF 61 Standard approved. The key advantages of CEM-KOTE FLEX ST
are its flexibility, excellent adhesion, crack-bridging, and easy application to wet (even to completely water saturated) concrete. The breathable CEM-KOTE FLEX ST membrane allows substrate moisture to escape. CEM-KOTE FLEX ST can be used for both negative- and positive-side waterproofing of concrete structures.